Total parenteral nutrition in cancer patients.
One hundred and twenty-one cancer patients received 134 courses of total parenteral nutrition (TPN); almost all were treated with chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy. The average weight loss prior to TPN was 6.7 kg and albumin 3.1 g%/patient; 25% glucose solution with 4.25 g% amino acids was used as a calorie and nitrogen source. The average weight gain was 2.6 kg for those who received TPN less than 2 wk and 4.5 kg if TPN was given for greater than 2 wk. Complications were low; 3% had proven TPN-related septicemia. Mild to moderate reversible metabolic complications were common, although severe complications were rare; no one died because of TPN. Our experience confirms the previous reports that TPN can be given safely to malnourished compromised cancer patients.
D000596:Amino Acids / Q000008:administration & dosage; D001835:Body Weight; D005260:Female; D005947:Glucose / Q000008:administration & dosage; D006801:Humans; D008297:Male; D008875:Middle Aged; D009369:Neoplasms / Q000150:complications / Q000188:drug therapy / Q000532:radiotherapy / Q000628:therapy*; D009748:Nutrition Disorders / Q000209:etiology; D010288:Parenteral Nutrition / Q000009:adverse effects; D010289:Parenteral Nutrition, Total / Q000009:adverse effects; D018805:Sepsis / Q000209:etiology; D012709:Serum Albumin / Q000378:metabolism
D000596:Amino Acids; D012709:Serum Albumin; D005947:Glucose